Ilya hails from the Soviet Union, is not Irish (people regularly ask him if he is), identifies as a “geek”, and really likes cider. He insists he is not a Soviet spy, and spends his spare time reading science fiction and fantasy novels so thick they could be used as blunt weapons. He also cannot confirm whether or not he is in the witness protection program, which concerns us ever so slightly.

His life goal is to memorise the lyrics to the song ‘Yakko’s World’ from the animated cartoon series ‘The Animaniacs’.

You can see Ilya hosting every Tuesday at the Bavarian Bier Cafe in Chatswood.